A week flowed by with Eveloria's stay at Lord Gavriel's manor remaining peaceful, comfortably routine, and somewhat tediously predictable. Slowly, she familiarized herself with the layout of the house, ensuring she could navigate it effortlessly when the time came for her escape. Mornings often found her engrossed in a book or indulging in a brief nap. Gavriel's occasional visits maintained the facade of an attentive fiancé on his part, while she played the role of a gradually enamored bride-to-be. But today was different; today was the day she had decided to make her daring escape.
Her plan was carefully plotted, hinging on that essential potion.
Standing before his study, she was just about to knock when his voice drifted out from within. "So, you're telling me that the small villages under Rosedale city have fallen victim to yet another attack by SHADE?" His voice carried an air of measured calmness.
"Yes, my Lord," came the composed reply from Sir Kord.
"Why hasn't anything been done about it? Do you have any idea how vital those villagers are? And where's Tristan? What is he preoccupied with?" As Gavriel continued speaking, his tone betrayed a growing undercurrent of anger. 'The labor from those villages contributes substantially,' Eveloria thought.
"He's tending to the matters that you should have personally addressed, my Lord. You dispatched him to Lord Crimsonblade's state for that very reason," Sir Kord explained, unwavering in his demeanor.
A growl rumbled from Gavriel, his irritation escalating. "Don't use that tone with me."
Remaining unruffled, Sir Kord responded, "My apologies, My Lord."
'He shows no real concern for his people,' Eveloria mused in her mind.
"Send word to Tristan to come here. I need to discuss something with him first," Gavriel instructed, drawing the conversation to a close.
"Of course, My Lord," Sir Kord affirmed in response.
With that, Gavriel rose from his seat and made his way toward the door. As he opened it, he was met with the sight of Eveloria standing just outside.
Eveloria bowed courteously, and as she straightened, a smile graced her lips. "Good morning, My Lord."
Gavriel's face brightened in response. "Good morning, my lady."
Curiosity piqued, he inquired, "What brings you here so early?" With the door now closed behind him.
"I wished to request your permission to visit the town's market and explore the capital city," she explained, her tone polite and composed.
Gavriel's expression held a hint of surprise at her unexpected request. "You're free to do as you please. But take someone with you for company," he replied.
"Olivia shall be accompanying me," Eveloria responded promptly, not missing a beat.
"If that is your preference," he acquiesced.
"I assume that's agreeable," she stated.
His brows furrowed slightly. "I wasn't aware the two of you were becoming friends."
"We aren't particularly close. Olivia is my maid, and it's her role to be by my side," Eveloria clarified.
Gavriel nodded in understanding before moving away. "Very well. Additionally, I'll have two guards accompany you."
He exited the study, leaving Eveloria to her thoughts. Irritation brewed within her as she pondered his insistence on the guards.
"I don't require guards for a simple outing," she muttered .
"But it's for your safety," Gavriel's voice countered .
Annoyance flickered across Eveloria's features, and she couldn't help but wonder, 'Why is he so insistent?'
"I assure you, I'll remain with Olivia and avoid any trouble," she retorted, her annoyance thinly veiled.
Gavriel raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but he seemed to relent for the moment. "Very well, just ensure you're back by dinner."
With that, he walked past her . A wave of relief washed over Eveloria. Her plan had successfully set the wheels in motion.
***
Eveloria and Olivia settled into the carriage, ready to embark on their outing. As they settled in, Olivia turned to her with curiosity evident in her voice. "Where shall we be venturing to today, My Lady?"
A thoughtful smile graced Eveloria's lips as she responded, "I've been contemplating a visit to Glenhorn City's renowned café."
"The Evergreen Café? It's quite a distance, My Lady," Olivia remarked, her concern evident.
Eveloria's hands gently clasped together as she pleaded, "Please, Olivia, I'm really eager to experience the beverages and cuisine they offer."
After a momentary pause and a glance back, Olivia's resistance gave way. With a sigh, she relented, "Very well."
Eveloria's grin of delight was infectious. "Thank you so much."
***
An hour later, the carriage came to a halt in front of a quaint-sized café, surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with carefully tended flowers at its entrance.
Eveloria murmured appreciatively, "The place is truly enchanting, Olivia," her gaze sweeping over the floral landscape that embraced the café.
Olivia offered a hum of agreement before alighting from the carriage as soon as Eveloria did.
Following Olivia's lead, Eveloria entered the café. The aroma that enveloped her was both sweet and calming, carrying a natural woodsy scent that set it apart from other establishments. The ambiance felt inviting and comfortable, a stark contrast to some of the busier cafés. Several patrons were engaged in lively conversations, their tables adorned with an array of desserts and drinks, each a masterpiece in itself.
Approaching the counter, Eveloria's eyes fell upon a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Lilyana, and it seemed that the resemblance was mutual as their gazes met.
A mutual nod exchanged between them, they simultaneously acknowledged each other's presence.
"Good morning and welcome to Evergreen's Café," the woman greeted them warmly, her voice carrying a polite tone.
Eveloria's response came with a cheerful tone, "Good morning to you too!" Her eyes then darted to the menu, considering her options.
"For me, an apple tart and milk tea, please," Eveloria placed her order.
Turning to Olivia, she encouraged, "You should order as well."
Olivia appeared taken aback for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and placed her order, "I would like the honey cake."
The woman assured them that their order would be provided soon. Eveloria promptly settled the bill, and she and Olivia made their way to an unoccupied table. They took their seats side by side, eagerly anticipating their delicious choices.
As they waited, another woman, who bore a striking resemblance to Lilyana as well, emerged from the cafe with their orders on a tray and approached their table. Both Eveloria and Olivia's eyes widened in surprise.
"What?" Both women exclaimed, their expressions mirroring confusion.
"I thought..." Eveloria mumbled, caught off guard by the uncanny resemblance.
"Oh, this is my mother, the owner of this fine establishment," Lilyana clarified, motioning towards the woman behind the counter.
Realization dawned on Eveloria. 'Oh, I totally forgot that Lilyana and her mother looked very much alike,' she thought.
"Ah, I see," Eveloria feigned surprise, hiding her momentary lapse in memory.
Lilyana placed their orders on the table. "Here you go!" she said with a warm smile, handing them both their respective plates.
"Enjoy!" Lilyana cheerfully exclaimed as she walked away from their table.
With the dishes before them, Eveloria and Olivia picked up their forks and began to savor the meal. The flavors blended harmoniously, pleasing their taste buds.
"This is a nice treat!" Olivia remarked, expressing her enjoyment.
"Certainly," Eveloria agreed with a nod, appreciating the flavors herself.
However, as they were both enjoying their meal, an unexpected incident occurred. After just a few spoonfuls, Olivia suddenly fainted, her body beginning to slump forward. Reacting quickly, Eveloria used her right hand to support Olivia's head, preventing it from hitting the table. With Olivia's head cradled in her hand, Eveloria looked concerned as her body leaned over the table.
Seeing the situation, Lilyana's mother swiftly approached their table, carefully lowering Olivia's head onto the surface of the table with a gentle touch.
"It's been quite a while since I last saw you, Eveloria. You've grown up to look just like your mother," Lilyana's mother commented with a touch of nostalgia in her voice.
Eveloria looked up, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Yes, it has indeed been some time."
Lilyana's mother's expression turned somber. "I apologize for not keeping in touch..."
Eveloria's voice was gentle as she reassured, "Please don't blame yourself, my lady."
Eveloria then glanced around, her concern evident. She lowered her voice to a whisper, "But can't the other customers see or hear what's happening?"
Lilyana approached them with a reassuring smile on her face and explained, "Don't worry, my dear friend. Mother cast an illusion. They won't be able to see or hear anything that transpires here. And as for your maid, I simply induced a spell in her honey cake. When she awakens, she won't recall how she fainted."
Eveloria let out a relieved sigh, feeling the weight of anxiety lifted.
"Alright, let's go," Lilyana said, motioning for Eveloria to follow her.
She led Eveloria to a hidden chamber beneath the cafe's building, a secret hideout.
As both women arrived at the hidden chamber, Eveloria's eyes widened in astonishment. Her gaze swept from the floor to the ceiling, taking in the incredible collection that surrounded her. Shelves lined the walls, adorned with books, scrolls, and various writings. Tables held an array of items—crystals, potion vials, and an assortment of tools. Eveloria couldn't help but react with a mix of awe and curiosity.
Lilyana couldn't hide her satisfaction as she watched Eveloria's reactions. She spoke up, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "My father used to frequent this place."
Moving towards the potion vials, Lilyana selected one to three with care, slipping it into her magic pouch. Then, she approached Eveloria, offering the pouch to her. "Take this. the potion you need is in here. Remember, after a year, you'll have to reapply it to your eyes and hair. Also, all the gold coins you entrusted to me are inside this magic pouch," she explained in a hushed tone.
Eveloria reached out, accepting the pouch with a mixture of gratitude and relief. She carefully stowed it away in her bag. "Thank you," she conveyed, a sincere smile gracing her lips.
Lilyana nodded gently, her understanding evident, and together, they turned to leave the room.
***
As they returned to the Cafe, Eveloria found Olivia already waiting for her, prompting a moment of surprise. "My Lady, are you done using the restroom?" Olivia inquired.
Eveloria nodded in affirmation. "Huh? Ah! Yes, shall we head out now?"
Before leaving, they exchanged farewells with Lilyana and her mother. "Thank you for coming," Lilyana's mother expressed warmly.
"Come again," Lilyana chimed in with a cheerful tone.
As Eveloria prepared to board the carriage, a sudden, piercing cry echoed through the air. The sound seemed to originate from a child, although its source was still uncertain. A quick scan of the surroundings revealed a young boy, approximately ten years old, darting toward her with urgency. As he came to a halt before her, his raven hair swayed gently with the momentum. His appearance was disheveled, his clothes tattered and grimy, while his physique appeared frail and undernourished.
"Child, are you lost?" Eveloria inquired with concern etched in her voice.
The boy immediately knelt before her, his voice trembling with desperation. "Please, ma'am, save me. Thugs are chasing after me, trying to kidnap me again. Please, I beg you, save me!" His plea was fervent and earnest, his eyes wide with fear.
However, Olivia interjected with skepticism, "My lady, he's likely lying. Look at his attire; he appears to be a beggar or perhaps a thief." She gestured towards the boy's ragged clothing.
Eveloria's gaze sharpened as she examined the boy. Her suspicion grew, and just as she was about to dismiss him, he took hold of her hands. His grip was urgent, his voice desperate as he implored, "Please, I'm telling the truth. Please believe me."
As the boy continued to plead, vivid images flashed before Eveloria's mind's eye. She saw him cornered by the very thugs he mentioned, their sinister intentions evident in their eyes. Their cruel words and the child's cries echoed in her ears, leaving an indelible mark on her senses.